The month of December ended a very successful and busy year for the Rotary Club of Retford. It began with two important fundraising events. The first of these was participation in Retford’s Christmas Market and tree lighting ceremony on 1st. This year there was so much to do that two stalls were needed. A tombola, raffle, mulled wine and games were offered. The final amount raised was in the region of £1,000.
On Saturday 7th it was the club’s turn for its annual street collection by kind permission of Bassetlaw District Council. Like last year and with the kind support of Haughton Park Farm, Bothamsall and the Woodcock Family, two reindeer made an appearance in Carolgate. Once again. the children really enjoyed the event and the generosity of the public was, yet again, astounding; £808 being collected.
In between these two events, a large contingent made what seems to be becoming an annual pilgrimage to a packed Majestic Theatre for the ‘That’ll Be The Day’ Christmas concert. Just like on previous occasions, something well worth attending.
The Ye Olde Bell Manager and Rotarian Kate Firth and her staff put on a splendid meal with wine for the Club’s Christmas Party on 16th. Over 100 Rotarians, partners and guests filled the ballroom at the hotel for a traditional meal including roast turkey, Christmas pudding and mince pies. Guests of honour were Retford Town Mayor Councillor Garry Clarkson and his wife, as a way of saying thank you for his marvellous support and participation in the Remembrance Concert. After dinner entertainment was arranged by President Elect Adrian Sumner and Past President Paul Withers.
The month and year ended with a splendid formal buffet and disco at Ye Olde Bell. 2020 was piped in by Rotarian Brian Marchant before everyone was treated to a bacon roll to sustain them on their trips home in the ‘wee hours’.